“Today’s five recipients of the Manhae Award are the clearest proof that the teachings of Venerable Manhae are not confined to the past but continue to breathe within our lives even at this moment.”
These words were delivered on the afternoon of the 9th at the Sky Center in Inje, Gangwon Province, during the 30th Manhae Award ceremony. Venerable Jinwoo, head of the Jogye Order’s General Headquarters, shared this message through a Dharma speech read aloud by Venerable Ji-hye, head monk of Sinhungsa Temple, the third district headquarters of the Jogye Order. The ceremony introduced individuals who have practiced the life and philosophy of Manhae Han Yong-un (1879–1944) in their respective fields. The Manhae Festival and the Manhae Award ceremony are jointly hosted annually by Gangwon Province, Inje County, Dongguk University, the Seorak-Manhae Ideology Practice Promotion Association, and Chosun Ilbo.
The awardees moved the audience with heartfelt acceptance speeches, vowing to redouble their efforts in their respective endeavors.
Nishimori Shiozo (Nishimori Shiozo·86), former chairman of the Kochi Prefectural Assembly and recipient of the Manhae Peace Award, reflected on his lifelong efforts to foster Japan–South Korea friendship. He recalled, “Former Prime Minister Takeshita Noboru once told me, ‘Japan must not forget that its current status as an economic power was built on the suffering of Korea. I hope you can engage in activities that might earn even a little forgiveness from the Korean people.’” He emphasized, “Only by learning history correctly can we envision a proper future. Though I am now 86, I will continue to work toward Japan–South Korea friendship. I deeply feel that this unresolved task requires my ongoing commitment,” drawing applause.
Park Joon-young (52 years old), a lawyer specializing in retrials and recipient of the Manhae Practice Award, humbly stated, “Though I stand here under the grand title of ‘Practice Award,’ I have used the misfortunes of the wronged for my own fame and reputation. I wanted to make my name known, and for that, I am ashamed.” He added, “I will fill this shame and inadequacy by dedicating myself to future actions,” receiving loud applause. Park also mentioned, “Here today is someone who endured 21 years, 5 months, and 20 days of wrongful imprisonment in the ‘Nakdong River Murder Case’ and was acquitted after 30 years. Because that person endured such injustice and ultimately found the truth, I am able to stand here.”
Ahn Gyu-ri (71 years old), chairman of Raphael Nanum and recipient of the Manhae Practice Award, shared, “Through Raphael Clinic, we have cared for foreign workers in medical blind spots. We have received far more than we have given—patients’ lives and pain, colleagues’ devotion, and warm hearts.” She continued, “Raphael Nanum has always aimed to give back more than we receive, so in that sense, we have failed miserably in this challenge.” Ahn interpreted Manhae’s concept of *dongche daebi* (同體大悲, “great compassion as one body”) as recognizing others’ pain as one’s own. She pledged, “This award reminds us not to view those in need merely as objects of help but to share in their pain and walk alongside them.”
Jeong Ho-seung (76 years old), poet and recipient of the Manhae Literary Award, said, “From Manhae, I learned national tradition, lyricism, eternity, and the paradox of ‘Though my beloved has left, I have not sent them away.’ Among modern Korean poets, if I had to name one resembling the Pensive Bodhisattva in the National Museum of Korea’s ‘Room of Contemplation,’ it would undoubtedly be Manhae.”
Park Myung-sung (63 years old), artistic director of Seensee Company and recipient of the Manhae Literary Award, expressed gratitude to Venerable Woo, head monk of Guryongsa Temple in Seoul, who attended as a guest. He recalled, “42 years ago, when we performed the musical *‘The Silence of My Beloved’* at Madang Cecile Theater, you came to watch every day for three months and have supported us ever since.” Park vowed, “I will strive to the best of my ability, bearing the weight of this award, until I can present a global K-musical to the world market.”
Prior to the ceremony, a traditional Korean music performance by Park Ae-ri and students from Dongguk University’s Korean Music Department, followed by a special congratulatory performance by musical actors including Choi Jung-won, received enthusiastic applause.
Attendees included around 10 guests from Kochi Prefecture, Japan, celebrating Nishimori’s award, and former prime ministers Kim Hwang-sik and Lee Nak-yeon. Actors Park Jeong-ja, Yu Dong-geun, Park Sang-won, and Jung Bo-seok joined to support Park Myung-sung, often called the “elder statesman of musicals.” Other guests included poet Lee Geun-bae (former chairman of the Academy of Arts), lawmakers Joo Ho-young, Jin Sun-mi, and Lee Yang-soo, Kang Cheon-seok (Chosun Ilbo senior advisor and award jury chair), Kwon Young-min (chairman of the Seorak-Manhae Ideology Practice Promotion Association), Yeo Jung-hyeop (vice governor of Gangwon Province), Choi Sang-gi (county governor of Inje), Kim Do-hyeong (chairman of the Inje County Council), Kim Yong-hyun (vice president of Dongguk University), and around 500 Inje residents, filling the Sky Center. /Inje = Kim Han-su Reporter
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